Acting on God's Vision in Life's Valleys
Summary
### Summary
Today's message centers on the theme "Don't Just Sit There, Do Something," inspired by the story of Nehemiah. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king, received distressing news about the ruined state of Jerusalem. His response was not just to mourn but to take action. Nehemiah's story teaches us that when God burdens our hearts with a vision, it often develops in the valleys of life, where challenges and opposition are inevitable. Nehemiah's journey from the palace to the ruins of Jerusalem illustrates the importance of faith-filled courage and strategic influence. He used his privileged position to gain the king's favor and resources for the rebuilding project.
Nehemiah's reconnaissance mission at night, his strategic planning, and his rallying of the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem show us the power of a compelling vision. This vision starts with recognizing a critical need and then mobilizing others to act. Despite facing opposition from figures like Sanballat and Tobiah, Nehemiah remained steadfast, trusting in God's sovereignty. His story is a testament to the fact that great works of God often go through stages of seeming impossibility, difficulty, and eventual completion.
The narrative of Nehemiah also points to a higher heavenly vision fulfilled in Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah rebuilt physical walls, Jesus is our ultimate wall of defense and gateway to eternal life. The broken walls of Jerusalem symbolize the spiritual brokenness that only Christ can fully restore. As we face our own broken walls—whether in our personal lives, communities, or nation—we are called to act with the same faith and courage as Nehemiah, trusting that God is at work even in the darkest valleys.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Vision Develops in Valleys: When God burdens your heart with a vision, it often develops in the valleys of life. These challenging times are not meant to break you but to shape you for the mission ahead. Embrace the valley, for it is in the dark that God often does His most profound work. [54:13]
2. Strategic Influence for God's Kingdom: Nehemiah used his position as a cupbearer to influence the king and gain resources for rebuilding Jerusalem. Similarly, God places us in strategic positions to serve His greater kingdom. Whether you're a manager, a stay-at-home parent, or in any other role, recognize your influence and use it for God's glory. [39:42]
3. The Power of a Compelling Vision: A compelling vision starts with recognizing a critical need and mobilizing others to act. Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem began with acknowledging the city's dire state. When God gives you a vision, it often starts with a burden that disturbs your soul, leading to action and change. [56:06]
4. Expect Opposition: When God births a vision, expect opposition. Nehemiah faced ridicule and resistance from Sanballat and Tobiah, yet he remained steadfast, trusting in God's sovereignty. Opposition is often a sign that you are on the right path, so stay committed and trust that God will see you through. [01:02:06]
5. Jesus as Our Ultimate Wall and Gate: Nehemiah's physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls points to a higher spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is our ultimate wall of defense and gateway to eternal life. While human efforts may fail, Christ's work is eternal and unshakeable. Trust in Him for your ultimate security and salvation. [01:08:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:54] - Opening Prayer
[32:19] - Introduction to Nehemiah
[33:51] - Nehemiah's Burden and Vision
[35:23] - The Call to Action
[36:47] - Nehemiah's Strategic Influence
[38:09] - Nehemiah's Prayer and Planning
[39:42] - Using Influence for God's Kingdom
[41:15] - Nehemiah's Faith-Filled Risk
[42:45] - Burden for Brokenness
[44:14] - The King's Favor
[45:37] - Vision in the Valley
[47:14] - Nehemiah's Reconnaissance Mission
[48:42] - Overcoming Doubts
[50:10] - Story of Grace Church's Prison Ministry
[52:39] - Consistency in Vision
[54:13] - Embracing the Valley
[56:06] - Power of a Compelling Vision
[57:42] - Mobilizing for Action
[01:00:37] - Critical Needs and Compelling Vision
[01:02:06] - Expecting Opposition
[01:03:43] - Stages of God's Work
[01:05:15] - Rebuilding the Walls
[01:07:15] - Higher Heavenly Vision
[01:08:00] - Jesus as Our Wall and Gate
[01:10:02] - New Jerusalem
[01:11:41] - Closing Prayer
[01:17:34] - Invitation for Prayer
[01:18:08] - Prayer Room Availability
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Nehemiah 2:11-18 (NIV)
> "I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days, I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.' I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."
2. Zechariah 2:5 (NIV)
> "And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will be its glory within.’"
3. John 10:9 (NIV)
> "I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Nehemiah's initial reaction upon hearing the news about Jerusalem's ruined state? ([36:47])
2. How did Nehemiah use his position as a cupbearer to influence the king and gain resources for rebuilding Jerusalem? ([39:42])
3. What was Nehemiah's strategy for inspecting the walls of Jerusalem, and why did he choose to do it at night? ([45:37])
4. How did Nehemiah respond to the opposition from Sanballat and Tobiah? ([01:02:06])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Nehemiah chose to inspect the walls at night and keep his plans initially secret? What does this reveal about his leadership and strategy? ([45:37])
2. How does Nehemiah's story illustrate the concept that God's vision often develops in the valleys of life? ([54:13])
3. In what ways does Nehemiah's physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls point to the higher spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ? ([01:08:00])
4. How can we understand the opposition Nehemiah faced as a sign that he was on the right path? ([01:02:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Nehemiah used his position strategically to influence the king for God's purposes. What strategic position or influence do you have in your life that you can use for God's kingdom? ([39:42])
2. Nehemiah faced significant opposition but remained steadfast. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition while pursuing a God-given vision. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:02:06])
3. The sermon mentioned that God's vision often develops in the valleys of life. Are you currently in a valley experience? How can you embrace this time and trust that God is shaping you for a greater mission? ([54:13])
4. Nehemiah's compelling vision started with recognizing a critical need. Identify a critical need in your community or church. How can you mobilize others to address this need? ([56:06])
5. Jesus is described as our ultimate wall of defense and gateway to eternal life. How does this truth impact your daily life and your approach to challenges? ([01:08:00])
6. Nehemiah's story shows the importance of faith-filled courage. What is one area in your life where you need to take a faith-filled risk? How can you prepare yourself to take that step? ([42:45])
7. Reflect on the story of Grace Church's prison ministry. How can you apply the lessons of consistency and perseverance in your own ministry or personal mission? ([52:39])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Valley
When God burdens your heart with a vision, it often develops in the valleys of life. These challenging times are not meant to break you but to shape you for the mission ahead. Embrace the valley, for it is in the dark that God often does His most profound work. Nehemiah's story is a powerful example of this truth. When he received the distressing news about Jerusalem, he didn't just sit in his sorrow; he allowed the burden to drive him to action. The valleys in our lives are often where God molds us, preparing us for the tasks He has set before us. Remember, the valley is not a place of defeat but a place of preparation and growth. [54:13]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Think about a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you see this valley as a place where God is preparing you for something greater? What steps can you take today to embrace this season and trust in God's work in your life?
Day 2: Use Your Influence for God's Kingdom
Nehemiah used his position as a cupbearer to influence the king and gain resources for rebuilding Jerusalem. Similarly, God places us in strategic positions to serve His greater kingdom. Whether you're a manager, a stay-at-home parent, or in any other role, recognize your influence and use it for God's glory. Nehemiah's story shows us that no matter where we are placed, we have the potential to make a significant impact for God's kingdom. By leveraging our positions and resources, we can contribute to God's work in ways we might not have imagined. [39:42]
Esther 4:14 (ESV): "For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"
Reflection: Reflect on the roles and positions you currently hold. How can you use your influence and resources to further God's kingdom? What specific actions can you take this week to serve others and glorify God in your current position?
Day 3: Recognize and Mobilize
A compelling vision starts with recognizing a critical need and mobilizing others to act. Nehemiah's call to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem began with acknowledging the city's dire state. When God gives you a vision, it often starts with a burden that disturbs your soul, leading to action and change. Nehemiah's strategic planning and rallying of the people demonstrate the power of a clear and compelling vision. By identifying the needs around us and mobilizing others, we can bring about significant change and fulfill God's purposes. [56:06]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: What critical needs do you see in your community or personal life that burden your heart? How can you begin to mobilize others to address these needs? What steps can you take today to start turning this vision into reality?
Day 4: Stay Steadfast Amidst Opposition
When God births a vision, expect opposition. Nehemiah faced ridicule and resistance from Sanballat and Tobiah, yet he remained steadfast, trusting in God's sovereignty. Opposition is often a sign that you are on the right path, so stay committed and trust that God will see you through. Nehemiah's unwavering faith and determination in the face of adversity remind us that challenges are part of the journey. By staying focused on God's vision and relying on His strength, we can overcome any obstacles that come our way. [01:02:06]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: Think about a time when you faced opposition while pursuing a God-given vision. How did you respond? What can you do to remain steadfast and trust in God's sovereignty when facing current or future challenges?
Day 5: Trust in Jesus, Our Ultimate Wall and Gate
Nehemiah's physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls points to a higher spiritual truth fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus is our ultimate wall of defense and gateway to eternal life. While human efforts may fail, Christ's work is eternal and unshakeable. Trust in Him for your ultimate security and salvation. The broken walls of Jerusalem symbolize the spiritual brokenness that only Christ can fully restore. As we face our own broken walls—whether in our personal lives, communities, or nation—we are called to act with the same faith and courage as Nehemiah, trusting that God is at work even in the darkest valleys. [01:08:00]
Ephesians 2:14 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility."
Reflection: Reflect on areas of brokenness in your life or community. How can you trust Jesus to be your ultimate wall of defense and gateway to restoration? What steps can you take today to rely more fully on Christ's unshakeable work in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our hope is not in this land. Our hope is not in the government. Our hope is not in politics. Our hope lies in the kingdom of God. It's outside of this realm, Lord. And so, Lord, yes, we grieve when we hear devastating news of violence. We grieve, but we don't grieve as those who have no hope. We grieve as those who have our eyes focused on eternity." [32:19] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When God burdens your heart over broken people, places, and things, he always gives you a vision of what can be. Your job is not to curse the darkness. Your job is to create change. Amen? I'm going to say that again. When God gives you a vision over brokenness, he gives you a vision of what can be. Your job is to curse the darkness. What's your job? It's to create change." [45:37] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "All it takes is one person filled with God's spirit to spot a need and to spark a change for the good. But it starts with one person who recognizes a need. And you don't have to be the cream of the crop. You could be a cupbearer like Nehemiah. Simply spot that need and trust that God is going to use you to make a difference. Can I get an amen?" [57:42] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When God births a vision, it usually develops in a valley. It usually develops in the dark, when it's going to be tough, when it's going to be hardest. And some of you come in here this morning, and you're in a valley experience in your life right now. Yet God has called you on a mission for restoration. Maybe it's to restore some broken walls of your own." [54:13] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is our ultimate wall of defense. This means that our Savior shields us from the wages of sin. He protects us from our enemy. He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death. But not only is he a wall of fire and a wall of defense, he is the gateway to eternal life." [01:08:48] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Nehemiah realizes that being a cupbearer to the king, this was God giving him this privileged position of trust for such a time as this. He realizes that God put him in that position in order to make a difference. Some of you, you come in here this morning and you don't even realize where God has placed you. He's placed you in a position of strategic influence." [39:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Nehemiah groaned over what grieved the heart of God. And with faith-filled courage, he took a faith-filled risk. And that faith-filled risk was rewarded. The king does the unthinkable, did the unthinkable. The king pretty much told Nehemiah, okay, what is it that you want? And he gave Nehemiah a leave of absence with pay. He commissions him to go back to the land in order to rebuild the land, the walls and all that." [44:14] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God births a vision, it's usually contagious. Then the last point of this message, when God births a vision, here it is, y'all. Expect opposition. Expect opposition. Here come the haters and the hecklers. Verse 17, I'm sorry, verse 19. But when Sanballat, the Horonite, look at that name, even sound dirty and filthy, don't it? The Horonite. And Tobiah, the Ammonite official, and Geshem, the Arab, they heard about it. They said, they mocked him and ridiculed him." [01:02:06] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Nehemiah urges his team to assemble and take action. And this vision turns to reality as the text says that they respond, let's get to work. Let's start rebuilding. And so they began this rebuilding process, but it wouldn't have started had it not been for the lone voice of Nehemiah. You see, sometimes you're going to be the only one to see a need for a change. The question is, what are you going to do about it?" [57:42] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Nehemiah shows us first and foremost is this. When God births a vision, it usually develops in a valley. It usually develops in the dark, when it's going to be tough, when it's going to be hardest. And some of you come in here this morning, and you're in a valley experience in your life right now. Yet God has called you on a mission for restoration. Maybe it's to restore some broken walls of your own." [54:13] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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